This move would make perfect sense. The Yankees are in desperate need of a catching upgrade, offensively and defensively, and Ruiz would provide that. Despite his struggles offensively since returning from a hamstring injury and 25-game suspension, he’s still one of the top defensive catchers in the league which will help the Yankees’ faltering staff. Also, he’s hitting .300 in the month of June which leads us to believe that after shaking off the rust he could still be a viable 6th- or 7th-hole hitter, even in the American League.

Tyler Austin playing with the Trenton Thunder (via NY Daily News).

This move also makes sense for the Fightins. When Erik Kratz returns from injury (likely next season), he can fill in well enough while they groom catching prospects Tommy Joseph and Sebastian Valle. Ruiz’s contract will be up next season anyway, and it’s unlikely Amaro will extend the veteran backstop.

Salisbury’s report also claimed the Yankees could be interested in third baseman Michael Young, whose contract is also up next season. With slugger Mark Teixeira going on the DL for an extended period of time, the Yanks need someone who can play first base, and Young can. He’s also been scorching hot lately, hitting .337 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs in the month of June.

Any package could bring in the Phillies a nice prospect; two extremely interesting names are outfield prospects Tyler Austin and Slade Heathcott. The Phillies are depleted in the outfield, both at the major and minor league level, and adding one of them would be extremely beneficial.

The Phillies (37-41) are at that point in their season where it is time to start deciding whether they will be buyers or sellers at the deadline. Any person who has watched the team can see them for what they are: an average team with too much inconsistency to make up the ground necessary to sneak into the playoffs. I’m an optimist, have always been, but this team doesn’t have what it takes to compete even if they do make into the playoffs by some miracle. It’s time to start rebuilding, and adding prospects while shedding contracts is the way to go.

Author:Manav Khandelwal

I am the founder of Khandyman Sports, and follow all Philadelphia pro sports teams religiously. I also write for the Hoop76, covering the Sixers for ESPN, and am a credentialed Flyers reporter for Main Line Media News.